Top 25 Games of 2018: No. 10 Carthage at Gilmer

It won't hold the intrigue it did last season, but it will still be worth the trip.

No. 1 Carthage faced No. 2 Gilmer in a much-anticipated game this past season in Gilmer. After a tightly contested first half, Carthage pulled away to win, 48-28. The Buckeyes will get their shot at revenge on Sept. 21.

Carthage loses most of its key players from its state championship team, with the exception of quarterback Gunner Capps. The Bulldogs also have running back Kelvontay Dixon returning after a knee injury in the second game kept him sidelined for the rest of 2017.

Gilmer RB/DB Brannon Webb. (© Clint Buckley, ETSN.fm)

Gilmer returns several key players from a regional semifinal appearance in 2017, including running back Bran Webb. Webb finished with more than 1,000 yards rushing this past season and will lead the offense behind lineman Devon King. Receiver and defensive back Trae Fluellen and linebacker Abel Euceda will also play large roles.

Although it likely won't be No. 1 vs. No. 2, Carthage/Gilmer is always a matchup to keep an eye on. The Bulldogs and Buckeyes have combined for nine state championships since 2004 and Carthage holds a 4-3 lead in the series since 2008.

Expect this game to be another classic when these East Texas juggernauts clash.